I really enjoy all music. I believe that good music is good music regardless of genre. When you label something you put it in box and it looses it's true value. I believe that all music is a gift from Allah. But, most of the "types" of music I specialize in is jazz, funk, blues, and "not so heavy" rock and roll and have even played in symphony orchestras and even country bands. The only thing I really don't like is vulgar or profane lyrics. Other than that all music is good.

Asalaamulaykum Ibrahim,
That would be great idea. Christianity has been spread very successfully thru the use of more modern music. Insha Allah it would do the same for Islam. Not to mention possibly put down many negative stereotypes about Islam in this country. If I lived in New York I'd join you brother!

Assalam Waleikum ibrahim,
It's good to hear from fellow Muslim musicians (yes I have officially converted now). What kind of music do you play and how do you (if at all) use your talents to praise Allah (SWT)? I was very intrigued when I found out that one of my favorite drummers of all time, Art Blakey, was also a Muslim.

Drummer.
Indeed you are right. I dont think the HADEETH is wrong as such. Remember ALLAH (SWT) gave the Prophet Dawood (AS) the gift of music. Every living creature would sing in praise of ALLAH with this Prophet.

So you have indeed been gifted. It's how we use our talents and our intentions that most important.

My ALLAH (SWT) guide us all insha-allah Ameen.
May ALLAH (SWT) make you and the rest of the ummah good muslims.

I am not basing my decision on converting to Islam based on my "job". I'm basing this on the fact that there is no rational arguement against music. In fact the Qur'an itself doesn't specifically say that ALL music should be prohibited, just music that corresponds with promiscuity, drinking and other sins. From my reserch it only prohibits ALL music in some of the Hadiths, which ARE subject to question, unlike the Holy Qur'an. Music can be a powerful thing. Yes it can have negotive impacts on people with regards to sex, drugs and even in some cases violence, but it also has the power to work great things in the name of Allah. People, from a single song, can be moved to completely change their lifestyle for the good. I think that the scholars of Islam need to REALLY REALLY look at these hadiths and rulings. I think they would eventually find the truth in them. Why would Allah prohibit such a thing when it is he who gave us from his divine attributes, the ability to manipulate sound into something so beautiful.

"I have been thinking about converting to islam for a while now but have only recently come across some resources that indicate that music, particularly using musical instruments, is haraam. Is this really the case? I'm a musician so this will vastly affect my decision to convert to Islam. "

HOW CAN YOU BASE ALLAH'S MESSAGE AND WHETHER YOU WILL ACCEPT IT ON WHETHER MUSIC IN ISLAM IS ACCEPTED OR NOT?

ISLAM PROHIBITS AND CONDENMS PROMISCUITY. DOES IT MAKE SENSE THAT A SEX WORKER WILL CONVERT TO ISLAM DEPENDING ON WHAT THE RELIGIONS VIEW IS ON 'PROMISCUITY OR MINDLESS SEX'

ISLAM CANNOT BE CHANGED TO SUIT THE NEEDS OF MAN. IF YOU DECIDE TO BECOME MUSLIM INSHA-ALLAH. REMEMBER THAT ALLAH KNOWS WHAT WE NEED. HE WILL PROVIDE SUSTENANCE ..ALWAYS HAS.

SO EVEN IF YOU WERE IN A CONDEMNED PROFESSION.. WHO'D YOU CHOSE "ALLAH" OR YOUR JOB ??

THINK ABOUT IT!

WITH REGARD TO MUSIC, ALL DEPENDS ON THE MESSAGE. WHERE DO YOU PLAY IN A BAR..CLUBS..?